Archives for June 2006

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‘McKee’s a warrior who warrants a substantial increase from the Sabres, but it has to come within the small-market context. Regier should meet McKee halfway between his current salary ($1.6 million) and the speculated market price. Then it would be up to McKee to decide whether he wants to stay.’

‘The primary logo, however, will be completely different from the original. It will feature the head and hunched upper half of a charging buffalo rather than a full buffalo perched above two crossed swords. The secondary insignia – a capital B pierced by a sword – is the same as the Sabres’ current third jersey, but the letter is gold instead of red.’

‘McKee also will head for free agency after turning down a multi-year offer from the Buffalo Sabres believed to be worth just slightly more than $2 million per season. “I’m very disappointed with Buffalo,” McKee, 28, said in a phone interview. “I understand they might want to stay within a budget, but you also want to feel appreciated for all the years of service you put in there.”‘

'Picking 24th overall, the Buffalo Sabres entered the 2006 draft with their lowest first-round pick in team history. The Sabres had a total of six picks at their disposal, and looked to address needs both in net and on the blue line. At the end of the day, they met their goal by coming away with three rearguards, two centers, and a goaltender who will be vying for the chance to wear the blue and gold sweater in a few years’ time.'

'Did you get any indication from the Sabres management and scouting staff that they were interested in you before the Draft? DP: I spoke to them two times and they showed a big interest. But I mean, they always said I was going to be picked like second (round), late second. So I was surprised to be picked so early.'

‘”In the end, whether they make an offer or not is up to them,” Grier’s agent, Jay Fee, said from his Boston office. “But Mike has made it clear he’s not ruling out Buffalo by any means. I want that to be real clear.”‘

‘Grier’s agent, Jay Fee, said Wednesday that Sabres general manager Darcy Regier told him this past week he doubted the team would make Grier an offer before the NHL’s free-agency period begins Saturday. Fee said his client is open to returning to Buffalo and the two sides haven’t ruled out making a deal later this summer. “We’ll see,” Fee told The Associated Press. “It’s not like at this point it’s a `See you later,’ type thing.”‘

'He will be training all summer with an eye on a roster spot, keeping in mind what Sabres coach Lindy Ruff and his staff told him before heading home for the summer. “They liked the way my year went, it’s just little things I have to work on,” said MacArthur. “I need to get faster and quicker, that’s the name of the game up there – it’s fast and they play hard. It’s a big jump, but it’s one I feel I can make.”'